Landbank awaits go signal to resume fuel subsidy distribution

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 19) — The Land Bank of the Philippines is still waiting for the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to lift the election spending ban over fuel subsidies before it can resume distribution to transport sector workers.

"The Landbank assures the fast and timely crediting of fuel subsidies and distribution of cash cards to intended transport beneficiaries nationwide once the prohibition to distribute in compliance to the election spending ban is lifted," it said in a statement Tuesday.

It added that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is "currently working on" the exemption from the Comelec to resume the distribution under the Fuel Subsidy Program.

The election ban is due to Comelec Resolution No. 10944, which forbids the "releasing, disbursing, or spending of public funds for social welfare projects" in the lead-up to the barangay and SK elections next month.

The election period for the polls began on Aug. 28. The elections will be held on Oct. 30.

On Sept. 13, the LTFRB began distributing the ₱3 billion subsidy to 1.36 million transport workers.

The subsidy is intended to mitigate the negative effects of the continuous increase in pump prices for over 10 weeks now.

Under the fuel subsidy program, ₱10,000 will be given to modernized PUV drivers; ₱6,500 to drivers of traditional four-wheel PUVs; ₱1,200 to delivery riders; and ₱1,000 to tricycle drivers.